There's a used 2003 MCS for sale which is loaded: Premium Pkg, Sport Pkg, leather, Harman Kardon for $20,000, 31,500 miles, very nice condition.
Or, go for a 2005 base MCS (close to the same price).
Please help with the decision... which way would you go and why?
Thanks.

 

The only reason to pay the inflated used car prices for the MINI is if you absolutely just can't stand the thought of waiting a few months for a new car, and you "need" to have your MINI now. It's insane. 31,500 is a lot of miles. Buy new; you definitely won't regret it.

 

I went the new route when faced with a similar decision for the following reasons:

1. For a few thousand more, I get a brand new car.
2. I get to order that car exactly how I want.
3. If the resale value stays the same, which it seems like it will, my new car will hold a higher value should I ever want to sell or trade up.

Also, it was a huge help to me that I didn't want or need a loaded car. If that were the case, and the 05 I was ordering got into the 26-29K range, I would have bagged it.

mb

 

Well, If you are looking for a base model, Then get a used base model not one that is loaded used. I dont like any of the 05 changes so I am slightly biased but still you should be able to find a base model MCS for less than 18k if you would be happy with base

 

Just wanted to add that until the MINI arrived on the scene, I never thought I would pay for a new car, much less do so twice in three years. Buying new is almost always a bad idea financially, especially if (like most people) you don't put much money down and opt for a 5 year loan. The MINI is the only car I know of under $40k that holds its value so well for so long. It throws all of the rules out the window.

 

Wait for a new one and get what you want on it. Mini's take all their deprecation in the first year. If you look at eBay you'll see that 02's and 03's and 04's all are priced very closely. Often 03' end up getting more than 04's for no good reason. The difference between taking the one time depreciation hit and getting problems with a used one with less warranty isn't worth it. Several problems can be found on a used car that even a conscientious owner or sales person isn't aware of and, as I said, you get less warranty time. Don't skimp ever on a new car with less options. The heated seats were something I didn't get on my car. They are 260.00 new and nearly a thousand as an after-market fix. The Mini packages are really a bargain. Bite the bullet and order the fully loaded car you really want. (experienced purchaser).

 

I dunno, seems to be a heavy bias here towards buying new - probably because that is what most of us here have done, with decidedly little choice in the matter. Now though, MINI is entering a new phase of its life cycle, bringing in new buyers with a slightly different perspective than the first wave. If, for instance, you want to get some "goodies" on the car, but your budget won't accomodate that on a new one, there is nothing wrong with going pre-owned. As chrisnl pointed out, there were many of us that never expected to be buying another MINI so soon - and we took great (fanatical?) care of our first one, expecting to keep them for a long while.

Some advantages to pre-owned are:

1. The car has a history. You don't take nearly as big of a gamble as some like to make it sound. Really, not much more than buying a brand new one - especially if there is any warranty left at all. You can find out what, if any, problems the vehicle has had from the shop where it was serviced. You can pretty much find out if you're getting a gem or a car that has had a number of problems - and what the problems were. I believe it, and others have said it as well, that the cars actually get a little better after some time - a car with 10, 20, or even 40K miles still has a lot of life left and has enough warranty to get you pretty far down the road. If the car was going to have problems, chances are the previous owner already dealt with them. And there are only a fistful of MINIs in the "high mileage" category (80K+), so long-term reliability is still anyone's best guess.

2. Instant gratification (already mentioned). - No waiting, period. Sure there are new cars on lots, but this is truly buy and drive! No break in period, nada.

3. Also mentioned, but less initial depreciation. If you expect to keep the car for a long time, then this isn't an issue. But if you expect to sell it in a few years, you should be further ahead than buying most anything else.

As for the thought of ordering exactly what you want, well I admit it is nice, but it can be exasperating (Especially deciding the darn color)! - but you can also look at it from more the fate/destiny perspective that would suggest a certain pre-owned car is "meant" for you with its colors, options, miles, imperfections, etc. I liken it to getting my dogs from the shelter - formerly loved (or not), they have certainly become a cherished part of my family!

 

Mini2Go - great analogy with the shelter dogs - never looked at it that way.

We got our first MCS used and don't regret it for one second. We had some minor warranty issues that we just got fixed, and the car is now as good as new for less money and no waiting. The color we got (DS/B) was probably third on our choices, but we've grown to love it. What an amazing little dog, er, car. . .

That said, we're on the list to order our new one. . .and you're right about agonizing over the color. Choices, choices, choices. . .

So I'd recommend buying a nice clean used '03 or '04, then getting on the waiting list for a brand spankin' new '06. That way, you can motor for a while and see what options you like/don't like/miss/don't miss. Think of it as a training period for option selection! Then when you get close to delivery of your new one, you can either sell your current MINI outright or trade it on the new one, whatever works best for you. OR - you COULD keep the old one AND the new one and be a two MINI household!!

 

I've got nothing to add to this thread except some thoughts on buyer's remorse. We all sweated our decisions as we chose our MINI's... Then, most all of us are pleased with our options and color choices. Few regrets, based on what drivers say on NAM anyway. My guess is that new or used, if you can get charged up about that car, chances are you'll be very happy with it. The only other factor would be if there would be some hidden problem with the used MINI and it's out of warantee. My 2c.

Godspeed.

 

I like that thought.:smile:

First, you need to tell us what you WANT. Do you WANT a heavy car with lots of gadgets that can break, or a svelte runner? I want the former, 'cause I LOVE creature comforts. Are you a 'happy with what you get' kind of guy, or do you like things 'that certain way'?
Tell us that we can give you better advice.

I agonized new vs. used for years, really. You can see one of my threads below. In the end I was swayed by Indi Blue, and all the bells and whistles that I wouldn't have paid for had I bought it new. And I love them ALL, esp. the Nav.
Also depends what kind of deal you can get, and how patient you are. I ended up saving ~25% on a one year old car with 22k miles, and found that compelling. As was mentioned, I got all the service records from BMW, so knew exactly what I was getting. I also got a cross country trip out of it, which was a bonus for me.
Most of the used 'deals' out there just convinced me I should buy new. But the market is finally softening a bit. If you're patient, you can offer less and wait for a motivated seller, but be prepared for rejection.

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...&highlight=MCS

 

If you buy a used '02, or early production '03 you'll save money and, if its an MCS, or an MC with the sport suspension, you'll get better handling. The '02 and early '03 sport suspension on the MCS actually handled better than the sport suspension on later '03s and any since. But, since John Q. Public thought it was too 'harsh' MINI softened it a bit.

If you buy a new '05, you'll pay more, but you'll get the new gearing which makes the car quicker, and which I like much more than the older 'tall' gearing of earlier models. Then you can beef up the suspension with aftermarket gear, if you want.

If you do decide to buy used, look for a sale from a motivated individual. Don't by from a dealer. You'll get a much better price, and the original warrranty stays with the car. Good luck.

 

Good point about the '05 gearing - it's much improved.

FWIW, I got my used MCS from dealer (saw it first on Ebay.) It's rare that a dealer will ever be a 'motivated' seller, but it happens. In my case it was late January and there was crappy weather and they wanted to move the car before the end of the month. Negotiations were drawn out, with many threats "just to wholesale it", but in the the end they called back with a reasonable counter. So don't write dealers off, but don't expect a good deal out of the blocks.

 

I agree, if you want an MCS, I'd definitely recommend the less-well-appointed '05. The car is fantastic......rivals some earlier-make JCWs, imo. That alone would make it an easy decision for me. I wouldn't want to inherit someone's yo-yo, stumble, or other weirdness. Besides, the car is pretty tricked-out even at it's most basic.

As for Coopers...they were pretty rock solid from the start (here in the US) and had very minor, if any, software issues. Coopers may have been driven less fiercely, too...MCSs tended to be modded and thrashed about more than Coopers from what I can tell. A used Cooper, to me, is a safer bet than a used MCS.

 

I bought used - if for nothing else - to avoid paying the greedy dealership markup on the car. Yes, I could have ordered out of state for only a few thousand more but I wanted it now and I got just that. Not to mention, in my area, used MCS's with the same equipment are still going for more than I paid. So my suggestion is find a used MCS (with less miles) and go for it.

 

Personally I would go for the base 2005 MCS. Why? Because IMHO the 2005 Cooper S is a vastly and shall I say different car from the stock 2002-2004 MCS in terms of performance and build quality. The added power (Which feels to me like 50HP rather than just 5HP as advertaised by MINI) and the sweet sounding popping exhaust note, not to mention the short ratio gearbox, are reasons enough to justify a '05 over the older models. The new stock car accelerates like the the '02-'04 MCS with the 200HP JCW kit!

Also, with the new one you will have full factory warranty (4 years/50K miles and free 3 years/36K scheduled maintenance) plus that intoxicating new car smell and you get to do the break in yourself.


Just my opinion. I would pass on the premium, sport and whatever other packages because the '05 MCS is a heck of a fun and fast car and needs no stinkin' packages IMO.

 

I have to disagree there with you friend the 2005 MCS is a vastly superior car no matter just how much you cut it and slice it. I loved my '04 MCS but the new one is just so much better in every respect it feels like a different car albeit the car it should have always been. Ask any current 2005 MCS owner that previously owned a '02-'04 MCS.

IMO some of the criticism regarding the cosmetic changes made to the '05s are simply blown out of proportion and in most cases unfounded. I don't feel having an extra sunvisor, having the cool LED ambient lighting or the clock in the speedo have altered the character and essence of the car in any way.

 

I agree, unless by "base" planeguy means Coopers, which did go through some rather dramatic cosmetic changes in '05. They are not bad changes at all, but the car does look substantially different. I prefer the '02-'04 cheeky look, but I'm not opposed to the '05 look either. In fact, I would have gotten an '05 Cooper if they had been available here in EB! (yes...still bitter)

Anyway, since freez is talking MCSs, you're right, there's not enough cosmetic difference to matter. But on the performance front, yeah, the overall improvement is pretty huge!

 

It is been rumored that Electric Blue and Jet Black may be discontinued for 2006

But I have seen a new '05 HB/B MC and that looks reallly nice!

 

With the new bumpers, the MC looks more muscular and more akin to the MCS. The old bumpers were OK, but I was never crazy about those thick chrome stripes, I prefer the new and more subtle optional chrome front and back. To me the biggest selling point of the '05 MC is the all new 5-speed short ratio Getrag box, which is superior to the old Midland Gears 5-speed it replaces.

 

Well, my unoficial count is 5 for used and 5 for new.
I believe, however, that the arguments for new are far more compelling than those for used. (Maybe I'm predisposed to new.)
I liked the '03 but it was not my favorite color.
The '03 was at a dealer... however, a pretty good one. We bought our new X3 there.:smile:
Another thing to consider is that Classic is the closest dealer to me and buying new from them is a treat!
The bottom line is that I'm still undecided but I do want to thank all of you for your input. I am leaning very heavily to new. I think the important part is that I'd have ALL the warranty and I'd know EVERYTHING about the car...
2 very compelling reasons to go for new since the cost is nearly the same.

 

[QUOTE=C4]I have to disagree there with you friend the 2005 MCS is a vastly superior car no matter just how much you cut it and slice it. I loved my '04 MCS but the new one is just so much better in every respect it feels like a different car albeit the car it should have always been. Ask any current 2005 MCS owner that previously owned a '02-'04 MCS.
QUOTE]

The MCS is a vastly superior car ONLY if your roads are in decent shape. If I lived in Florida I'd probably have driven an MCS, but here in Vermont, one test drive was enough to convince me the MC was the way to go. I drove the MCS and had to have my fillings replaced! Pete

 

No, I meant base MCS you know the ones that retailed two years ago for 20.9K if you look around should be able to get one for less than 18k

https://www.northamericanmotoring.co...ad.php?t=42194

Here is a ABSOLUELY LOADED 03 MCS with aero kit and driving lights!!!! had for 20k

So His options are not just
1. loaded used MCS for 20k
2. 2005 Base MCS

The third option he is leaving out is

3. 2002-2004 Base MCS

I like the 05 performance too but I would recomend if budget is the concern to go used. If money is no object then spec out a fully loaded 05
But money is the issue here. So look hard and you will find a MCS with no options less than 18k

 

Does your '03 have leather or leatherette?

 

The BRG one is Not my car just one I saw for sale on here last week

 

New base MCS with just MFSW and LSD can be had for less than $21.5K. Used makes little sense unless he can get a relatively loaded car for less than a new base Cooper S.